Short-term Winter Parking Bans for Snow Removal
The Ellsworth Public Works Department is dedicated to ensuring seamless snow removal operations and maintaining safe, accessible streets and sidewalks throughout the winter season. For the benefit of all, the City relies on the cooperation of motorists. Prior to an impending snowstorm, motorists need to move their vehicles from public streets, ways, and city owned parking areas, so snow removal is completed swiftly and without hinderance. To remind everyone about the need for areas clear of vehicles the Public Works Department will announce parking bans for snow removal.
During a winter parking ban for snow removal, vehicles cannot be parked on public streets, ways or city-owned parking areas (with the exception of the center spots located in the Lower City Hall parking lot, see map). Vehicles not moved during snow removal operations may be subject to relocation by tow to a tow yard at the discretion of the Ellsworth Police Department. Please review the following information to be prepared this winter.
Snow Removal Guidelines
As outlined in Chapter 7: Traffic Code, section 415, no vehicle shall be parked at any time on any public street or way or city-owned parking area so as to interfere with or hinder the removal of snow from those locations by the City plowing operations & equipment.
Enforcement Measures
Any police officer is authorized to remove any vehicle that is in violation of the snow removal guidelines by tow truck, at the expense of the owner of such vehicle and without the City being liable for any associated costs that may be caused by the removal. See Chapters 48 Rotational Towing Ordinance and 48a Towing Fee Schedule for more information on removal by towing.
All Night Parking Restrictions
Additionally, per section 417 of Chapter 7, from November 1 of each year to April 1 of the following year, all night parking is prohibited between the hours of 12 midnight and 6:00 a.m. This means that no vehicle should be parked on any street or way during this time frame for more than thirty (30) minutes, with the exception of physicians responding to emergency calls.
Ways to Stay Informed
- Check the City of Ellsworth website and social media for announcements.
- Check local media stations for updates about incoming storms and plan ahead.
- After it turns dark outside, watch for a flashing light in the City Hall cupola, not unlike the beacon on our plow trucks. This newly installed Winter Parking Ban light serves as an extra notification and reminder for motorists that a Winter Parking Ban is in effect.
